Gender Identity Case Study Essay

With Lynn’s teen pregnancy and Theo’s developing gender expression and sexual identity puts them at risk in a patriarchal heterosexual identity in multiple ways. If Lynn did not have such a strong support system through her pregnancy, she may have not finished school or even yet be as successful as she is today. Lynn would have been another statistic of teenage pregnancy that did not graduate high school. Instead, she has a steady job and moved away from the ghetto. By Lynn divorcing her husband, it put her in many risks since the United States of America is based on a patriarchy heterosexual society. While women on average make less than men, Lynn’s risk is that she would not be able to afford everyday living despite her job and income. Many African American women want to be independent and often think they do not needs a man’s help, but in reality women have a glass ceiling that is often harder to succeed in certain work fields. African American women rather be single than rely on a man because women think that men will bring more stress then there already is in their life. Also, the incarcerations rates for African American men are higher than any other race. By this, many African American women believe that there are no good African American men left because they are locked away. In addition, Theo’s developing gender expression and sexuality also puts him at risk in a patriarchy heterosexual society. Theo is at risk because his father passed away and also he loves to cross- dress and by that it causes conflict within his life. By this, it goes against male dominance and power in a patriarchal society. Also, since Theo is still finding his identity, he is going against heteronormatity. Although Theo may be seen as masculine, he does not see himself as masculine. Theo had inconsistency in his life such as his dad passing away, his mom a drug addict, and his constant moving between homes within family members home. This would have affected him in a patriarchal heterosexual society because although he was masculine from the outside, he did not feel masculine in the inside. Both Lynn and Theo are constantly changing to become a better person in society, but there will be challenges along the way that may affect their future, but it is up to them in order to create optimistic change. Macro Social Structural The demand for college has been on the rise. Although college was not as common as today, Lynn still managed to go to college and Theo wants to be on his way to college. Despite his low scores in English and Math, it does not necessarily mean he is not smart. Everybody learns differently but often times there are norms put it in place that there is only way …show more content…
Theo often thought about him becoming a football player because he was not smart, he was black, and also because he was well built and very muscular. By that, it made him unhappy because he did not know he wanted to do. However, that is typically for a majority of people, but to take into account one’s race, class, gender, and sexuality is an issue. While Theo is male, Lynn was female but she also went through similar struggles. Lynn was worried what people had to say about her pregnancy and marriage. However, Lynn was also oppressed because if she were to be single, people would judge her even more than being pregnant and married. In addition both were oppressed in different eras, but still had similar experiences. Some of the ramifications of accepting views of their potential is from the school system. Lynn’s principle and Theo’s tutors helped them to feel as if they are not being oppressed. If people believe they are being oppressed, which Lynn did and Theo currently does, there is enough guidance in their lives in order to rise above the stereotypes. Both of which may be different in many ways, they managed to take people’s advice and listen. In addition, by having a strong support system truly makes things a whole lot easier and often makes the negative views disappear. Both Lynn and Theo managed to go through struggles but they both had/ have dreams for a better